On October 24th, the national police chief of Moldova revealed that Moscow had funneled $39 million in a scheme led by a pro-Russian oligarch to influence election results. The money was used to pay ordinary citizens to vote against closer ties with the West. Ilan Shor, a Moldovan-Israeli tycoon, was accused of laundering the money and orchestrating the network, despite his political party being banned. Incumbent pro-European President Maia Sandu came in first in the initial round of the presidential election, with a runoff scheduled for November 3. Voters also approved a referendum to enshrine the country’s path to EU accession in the Moldovan constitution, dealing a blow to supporters of closer ties with Russia.
Authorities in Moldova reported that over $15 million in Russian funds had been funneled to over 130,000 Moldovans in September, with voters being instructed on how to vote and spread disinformation about the EU via Telegram. An additional $24 million was reportedly distributed throughout the month of October. Moldova’s chief of police raised concerns about voter bribery, hybrid warfare, and disinformation leading up to the elections. Police raids were ongoing, with arrests made of individuals found with envelopes of cash intended to bribe voters in multiple districts.
In the presidential runoff, Maia Sandu will face off against Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is supported by the pro-Russian Party of Socialists. Sandu, a supporter of closer ties with the EU and Ukraine, has been cracking down on Russian subversive operations in Moldova. The country expelled dozens of Russian diplomats and embassy staff in July 2023 after revelations of espionage activities. Fears of hostilities spilling over from Russia’s invasion into Moldova, especially through the Russian-occupied region of Transnistria, have heightened tensions in the country.
Sandu expressed determination to continue advocating for Moldova’s EU future, emphasizing the importance of peace, prosperity, and freedom to determine the country’s path. Despite facing what she described as an unfair fight in the presidential election, Sandu’s victory in the first round and the referendum result signal a strong desire among Moldovan voters for closer ties with the EU. The ongoing investigations into the election interference and bribery scheme highlight the challenges faced by Moldova in ensuring free and fair elections and safeguarding its sovereignty from external influence. Sandu’s commitment to pushing for a European future for Moldova underscores the country’s complex geopolitical position and the balancing act it must navigate between Russia and the West.
